The Work In New Bern, North Carolina
New Bern, N. C. is less than forty miles from the Atlantic, at the confluence of the Trent and Neuse rivers. The town has 20,000 in population, and the center of trade, with 150,000 in its shopping population. Methodists and Baptists constitute the majority of the religious minded people in this vicinity.
The church is five years old, and has 40 members. It has been instrumental in establishing a colored congregation in Havolock (20 miles), and a white congregation in Oriental (30 miles). They have 8 and 6 members respectively. There is peace, unity and harmony in the church here. It is not troubled with current issues. The brethren are extremely sound in the faith, and beyond a doubt, the best congregation that I have worked with. This is the only congregation in a 30 mile radius, save the colored one.
During the past two years the work has progressed very well. There have been 30 baptisms, and 5 restorations. The average attendance on Sunday morning at the present is about 60. There were 70 present last Lord's Day, which was the largest crowd we have had present, outside our meetings. Our building is not quite complete. We have been meeting in it for one year. The church here has no financial obligations at the present.
The contributions are not very large, due to most of the men here doing work which pays small wages. That being the case, they can not completely support a preacher. They can and will help some with this obligation.
I am leaving to begin work with the church in Sioux City, Iowa the first of August. Any preacher interested in the work here is encouraged to contact either: George Jones, 314 Crescent St. (ME 7-3292) or Mickey Hearn, Rt. 4 (ME 7-3752), in New Bern. Also, the great need will be someone or some congregation that will be willing to help in the support of a gospel preacher in this city. North Carolina, as most states, is truly a mission field. The harvest is ready here, and the church wishes another laborer to live here who can devote full time to preaching the gospel.
If I can be of assistance to anyone, please respond to Box 1592, New Bern, North Carolina.